The factors that determine biological sex. The underlying determinants are the sex chromosomes which cause the differential development of the gonads in the embryo. In males, the testes then produce hormones that cause the male reproductive organs to form. In the absence of these hormones, a female reproductive tract develops. At puberty, another surge of hormones produces secondary sexual characteristics. Chromosomal abnormalities or hormonal defects can lead to ambiguous sex (see genitalia, ambiguous), although true hermaphroditism is rare.
Sex determination |
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